John Selden and the Western Political Tradition

This detailed analysis establishes John Selden as one of the most interesting and important early modern political theorists.

List of contents

Preface; 1. Introduction: 'Glory of the English nation' - the life, works and ideas of John Selden; 2. Selden and the early modern crisis of knowledge and obligation; 3. Selden and the early modern dispute about the foundations of political order; 4. Law 'fitted to the genius of the nation': Selden's theory of national tradition in law and politics; 5. Selden and the 'universal philosophy of morals' drawn from the Hebrew tradition; 6. A 'single sword': Selden's theory of religion and state; 7. Conclusion: John Selden and the tradition of historical constitutionalism; Sources.

About the author

Ofir Haivry is the co-founder and currently Vice-President of The Herzl Institute, Jerusalem, a research institute and training centre in the fields of Jewish political thought, Jewish philosophy and political Hebraism. He is also Director of the Herzl Institute's National Strategy Initiative. Haivry was founding Editor-in-Chief of the Shalem Press and of its flagship publication, Azure magazine. He serves on several high-profile public councils and committees in Israel, including Israel's Council for Higher Education and Israel's Council for Archaeology.

Summary

John Selden (1584–1654) was a formidable figure in Renaissance England, whose true importance and influence are now coming to be recognised after many years of neglect. This detailed analysis highlights his crucial role in the development of early modern political ideas, and the impact of Jewish ideas on Western political thought.

Product details

• Authors: Ofir Haivry
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.06.2017
• EAN: 9781107011342
• ISBN: 978-1-107-01134-2
• No. of pages: 518
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy > General, dictionaries; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; European History, POLITICAL SCIENCE / History & Theory, Social & political philosophy, c 1500 onwards to present day, social and political philosophy, British & Irish history, United Kingdom, Great Britain, Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700, General and world history, C 1600 To C 1700